1105.015.04.20 Joint Custody Situations – DSS Manuals

IM-56 June 11, 2013

Children living in more than one household during the month are considered a member of the household providing the majority of their meals. If a child is involved in a joint custody arrangement and receives an equal number of meals from each parent’s house, the parents must decide which household will apply for benefits for the child. If an agreement between the parents cannot be made, the child will be included in the household that applies first. EXAMPLE : Anna and William have 50/50 shared custody of Ava. Neither is designated as primary caretaker. They do not agree on who exercises more control over Ava. They both have Ava for 3 and one half days per week. William applies for Food Stamps first. Ava will be included in William’s EU.